Category: Local Knowledge

New Zealand – What About After My Round?

PerryGolf Staff

Not to state the obvious, but New Zealand is a fantastic destination for golfers and non-golfers alike.  Yes it does have fantastic golf courses; especially in the shape of Kauri Cliffs, Wairakei, Cape Kidnappers, Jack’s Pint and The Hills to name but a few; but it also offers some great activities for when you are not on the course.  In the Bay of Islands you can cruise around the little islands off the coast, in Taupo see the awesome Huka Falls, in Napier take in a selection of great wineries and in Queenstown see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.  The Remarkables mountain range is on your doorstep and stunning Milford Sound is just a short flight over the Southern Alps.

Another activity that I had to do when I was there…a bungee jump!  I understand it is not for everyone but bungee jumping originates (commercially anyway) in Queenstown so it was a must for me to do this at the original Kawarau Bridge site which is just a short drive out of Queenstown.  I booked it the day before to avoid being disappointed however this did lead to a somewhat sleepless night beforehand.  On arrival you register and make your way out to the bridge where, after a short wait and being harnessed safely, you are led out on the platform.  Then it is up to you.  I found it best not to think about it at all and just go for it. The sensation is incredible and as close to flying as I can image.  If you are in need of some persuasion to have a go I can tell you it also does wonders to rejuvenate a tired back after golf!

By Alastair Niven.  Alastair has been with PerryGolf for over 11 years and looks after of our South Pacific Programmes.

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Edinburgh Tattoo

PerryGolf Staff

[singlepic id=17 w=320 h=240 float=]I’ve been watching some of the highlights on television of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo which runs for most of August.  What a spectacular event; I will certainly be organised to take a visit next year – a “must do” when on a trip to Scotland, and you get to enjoy a night or two in Edinburgh which also hosts The Fringe at the same time.

It’s all happening inEdinburgh!!

By Gary Sheppard.  Gary has been with PerryGolf for over 6 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists

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Common sense tips for golf travel bag covers

Gordon Dalgleish

[singlepic id=16 w=320 h=240 float=left]Golf travel bag covers have evolved a long way from some of the very basic plastic covers I can recall. These golf travel covers were no more than flimsy plastic with two holes for the strap of your bag to come through to aid carriage through the airport. The offered no protection for your golf equipment beyond dirt or rain drops!

Various options are now available and virtually all come with wheels which is a must for your golf bag cover.

The other principal decision when purchasing a cover is what level of protection you wish to provide your golf clubs. At one extreme are the hard sided covers which come in various sizes and provide the very best protection available. The downside is that they are cumbersome & bulky. Due to their size and inflexibility they consume a significant amount of space, particularly in a rental car. Indeed, I would go as far as to say that unless you have absolutely no space restrictions on your luggage as you travel, hard sided golf bag covers are not a good option.

The compromise between sturdy protection and flexibility for space saving I have found best are the likes of Club Glove. All of their models come with wheels, a hard sided bottom and base with the top potion constructed from extremely tough fabric. When the golf clubs are out of the cover they fold down into the size of the base and will fit into rental cars and the like.

Doubtless there are other fine examples of golf bag covers but I would use Club Glove as the benchmark for making a purchase decision. After 30+ years of traveling with golf clubs around the world, I can only recall one incident where one club was damaged, and for the vast majority of these trips I have used a Club Glove product and never used a hard sided case.
 

About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

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Travel insurance for your golf trip

Gordon Dalgleish

[singlepic id=7 w=320 h=240 float=]Golf travel cancellation insurance is one of these items many people overlook or otherwise do not spend much time considering as a purchase. Quite possibly because when you financially commit to a golf vacation it is with the full intent of completing the trip and thinking negative thoughts towards this pending dream trip is not in your personality. Whatever the rationale, I would encourage all travelers to understand the extent of their financial commitment and the terms associated with the purchase. These terms should be clearly and concisely detailed to you in advance of making any deposit. Very possibly, due to various factors, most notably the terms that suppliers place on tour operators like ourselves the cost to cancel can be quite steep.  Stringent cancellation terms usually occur when demand demand is high in a relatively short, peak season for travel…as the British Isles experience every summer.

Golf travel cancellation insurance will ordinarily cost 6 – 7.5% on the value of the golf trip being insured. Your cost may be dependent upon your age and it will generally include a number of other amenities such as providing reimbursement for delayed luggage or medical evacuation. Every policy is different. The important thing for every golfer who is travelling, is to understand their financial commitment when booking a trip and then decide if you are comfortable with losing all or a portion of these monies if you are unable to travel. If you are comfortable with the potential loss, travel insurance is not for you. If the possibility of not enjoying the trip AND losing some portion (or all) of your money gives you pause for concern through some unforeseen event outwith your control, then golf travel insurance is something to seriously consider.
 

About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

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Driving in the UK and Ireland

Mhairi

For many of our clients travelling to the UK and Ireland for their golf vacation, the most suitable transport option will be a rental vehicle.  Driving on the other side of the road can be a daunting thought, but to help put your mind at ease, please read on for some pointers.

In the UK and Ireland you drive on the left-hand side of the road and should follow the Speed Limits as described below (in the UK mph and in Ireland kmh):

Built-up area – 30mph/50kmh

Outskirts of a built-up area – 40mph/80kmh

Main road – 60mph/100kmh

Motorway – 70mph/1020kmh

Do always be aware of signs as the speed limits may be lower in some places.

At most junctions there will be a sign for Stop or Give Way.  There may also be markings on the road (white dotted lines and a triangle).  You must obey these signs at all times.

At roundabouts you must give way to traffic coming from the right.  You should drive round in a clockwise direction and signal left as you approach your exit.

Laws to be aware of:

Seat Belts – drivers and all passengers must wear seatbelts both in the front and back of the vehicle.

Mobile Phone – It is against the law to use a handheld mobile phone while you are driving.

Drinking and Driving – it is against the law to drive under the influence of alcohol.

Motorway Driving – When driving on the motorway and dual carriageways, keep left unless you are overtaking.  The hard shoulder should only be used in an emergency.        

For US and Canadian citizens, your normal driving license, issued by your country of residence is required by all drivers who wish to operate the rental vehicle at any point during your stay.  Importantly, if you are unaccustomed to driving on the left-hand side, you should be particularly careful when turning right as this may place your vehicle in the path of other traffic.

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